Accessory of electronic device

ABSTRACT

When an electronic device (e.g., a notebook personal computer) ( 5 ) is mounted on an accessory ( 1 ), functions of the electronic device ( 5 ) are added. To detach the electronic device  85 ) from the accessory ( 1 ), operation levers ( 37 ) provided at the rear portions of both sides of the accessory ( 1 ) are operated. Since any force necessary to detach the electronic device ( 5 ) is not applied until the operation levers ( 37 ) are opened to a predetermined angle, the operability of the operation levers ( 37 ) does not deteriorate even if the operation levers ( 37 ) are so designed as not to project from the accessory ( 1 ) in view of the appearance of the accessory ( 1 ). To prevent the electronic device from being stolen, a control plate provided in the accessory ( 1 ) is set in a predetermined position, and a key ( 10 ) is inserted into a lock part ( 9 ) fitted to the accessory ( 1 ) and rotated so as not to allow the operation levers ( 37 ) to be opened.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an accessory for expanding the functionof an electronic device.

BACKGROUND ART

JP-A-9-265333 discloses that an accessory is placed on an expansiondevice, and an electronic device is placed on the accessory. Theexpansion device houses mechanical equipment for expanding the functionof the electronic device (a CD-ROM, etc.), and a PCMCIA (PersonalComputer Memory Card International Association) card or the like can beinserted into the accessory.

The accessory is provided with a locking part. When locking isperformed, a hook in the accessory engages the electronic device, and ashutter in the accessory closes an insertion port of the card. Thelocking is thus performed, to prevent the electronic device and the card(mechanical equipment) from being stolen.

In the conventional device, however, the hook is driven insynchronization with the locking part. When the electronic device andthe card are detached from the accessory, therefore, a key must beinserted into the locking part each time to perform unlocking. Theconventional device is not convenient to use. Further, a structure fortransmitting a turning force or a spring force of the key inserted intothe locking part to the hook or the shutter by a rotating member, aslide plate, or the like is complicated.

In order to eject the electronic device, the key is inserted into thelocking part and is turned through a predetermined angle to release theengagement with the electronic device, and the key is further turned toeject the electronic device. Since an operation for turning the key mustbe thus performed twice, an ejecting operation is complicated. A speciallocking part capable of performing a predetermined operation by such aturning operation performed twice is required. Further, in theconventional accessory, it is not easy to connect a connector providedin the electronic device and a connector provided in the accessory toeach other.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

An accessory of an electronic device according to the present inventioncomprises a base on which the electronic device is placed, a hookprovided in the base so as to be movable between an engaging positionwhere the electronic device is to be engaged and a releasing positionwhere the engagement is to be released, and an operation lever providedin the base in order to operate the hook, and is so constructed that thehook is maintained at the engaging position during an initial statewhere the operation lever is opened to a predetermined angle from itsclosed state.

The operation lever is used for releasing the engagement of theelectronic device. Compared with such construction that the engagementis released by an operation for turning a key, the lever is moreconvenient to use than the key. Further, special locking means may notbe used. During the initial state where the operation lever is opened toa predetermined angle from the closed state, the hook is maintained atthe engaged position. Accordingly, a force for moving the hook to thereleasing position is not added to the operation lever. Consequently, auser can operate the operation lever by a small force in the initialstate.

Even if the operation lever is provided so as not to project from thebase, and a recess for a user catching his or her finger on theoperation lever (formed in the base) is formed in small size, a forcefor opening the operation lever may be small in the initial state.Accordingly, the user can easily open the operation lever to apredetermined angle by the tip of the finger. After the operation leveris opened to a predetermined angle, the user can exert a large force onthe operation lever by sufficiently catching the finger on the operationlever. Accordingly, it is possible to easily fully open the operationlever to release the engagement of the electronic device by the hook.

The accessory of the electronic device according to the presentinvention comprises a driving mechanism for transmitting to the hook aforce produced by operating the operation lever, and is so constructedthat the driving mechanism is maintained in its stationary state(unmoved state) during the initial state.

Consequently, in the initial state where the operation lever is openedto a predetermined angle from the closed state, the hook can bemaintained at the engaging position.

The accessory of the electronic device according to the presentinvention is constructed by providing a predetermined clearance betweenthe operation lever and the driving mechanism.

Consequently, during the initial state where the operation lever isopened to a predetermined angle from the closed state, it is possible tomaintain the driving mechanism in the stationary state (unmoved state).

The accessory of the electronic device according to the presentinvention is constructed by composing the driving mechanism of aplurality of members, and providing a predetermined clearance between atleast the one pair of members.

Consequently, during the initial state where the operation lever isopened to a predetermined angle from the closed state, it is possible tomaintain the whole of the driving mechanism in the stationary state(unmoved state).

The accessory of the electronic device according to the presentinvention is so constructed that an ejecting part for ejecting theelectronic device by operating the operation lever is provided in thebase, and the ejecting part is not ejected during the initial state.

Consequently, during the initial state, it is possible to prevent theweight of the electronic device from being produced as a force againstthe operation of the operation lever. Consequently, it is possible forthe user to operate the operation lever by a small force in the initialstate.

The accessory of the electronic device according to the presentinvention is so constructed that an outer surface of the operation leveris approximately flush with an outer surface of the base when theoperation lever is in its closed state.

Consequently, in the closed state, the operation lever does not projectfrom the base, thereby making it possible to prevent an operation forcefrom being exerted on the operation lever by user's carelessness, forexample. Further, it is possible to prevent the operation lever frombeing damaged, for example. The appearance of the accessory is improved,as compared with a shape in which the operation lever projects from thebase.

An accessory of an electronic device according to the present inventioncomprises a base having a mounting part on which the electronic deviceis placed and a housing part housing a member, a hook provided in thebase so as to be movable between an engaging position where theelectronic device is to be engaged and a releasing position where theengagement is to be released, an operation lever provided in the base inorder to operate the hook, an engaging part provided in the base so asto be movable between an engaging position where a member housed in thehousing part is to be engaged and a releasing position where theengagement is to be released, an operating part provided in the base inorder to operate the engaging part, and a locking part provided so as tobe attachable and detachable to and from the base, and is so constructedthat the locking part cannot be detached from the base when the lockingpart is attached to the base to achieve locking, the movement of thehook to the releasing position is limited, and the movement of theengaging part to the releasing position is limited.

The operation lever is used for releasing the engagement of theelectronic device, and the operating part is used for releasing theengagement of the member housed in the housing part. Compared with ashape in which the engagement of the electronic device and theengagement of the member are simultaneously released by an operation forturning a key, the lever is more convenient to use than the key.Further, special locking means may not be used. When the locking part isattached to the base to achieve locking, the locking part cannot bedetached from the base. Accordingly, the movement of the hook to thereleasing position is limited, and the movement of the engaging part tothe releasing position is limited. Accordingly, it is possible toprevent the electronic device and the member from being detached fromthe accessory and stolen. Further, if the locking part and a desk or thelike are connected to each other by a chain or the like, it is alsopossible to prevent the accessory from being stolen.

The accessory of the electronic device according to the presentinvention comprises a control plate provided in the base so as to bemovable to a plurality of positions, and a movement operating part foroperating the movement of the control plate, and is so constructed thatwhen the locking part is attached to the base to achieve locking in astate where the control plate is positioned at a first position, thelocking part cannot be detached from the base, so that the movement ofthe hook to the releasing position is limited, the movement of theengaging part to the releasing position is limited, and the movement ofthe control plate from the first position to another position islimited.

If the control plate is set at the first position to perform thelocking, it is possible to prevent the electronic device and the memberfrom being detached from the accessory and stolen. In order to obtainthe locked state of the electronic device and the member, the firstposition of the control plate may be maintained by the locking operationof the locking part, thereby making it possible to simplify theconstruction.

The accessory of the electronic device according to the presentinvention comprises a control plate provided in the base so as to bemovable to a plurality of positions, and a movement operating part foroperating the movement of the control plate, and is so constructed thatwhen the locking part is attached to the base to achieve locking in astate where the control plate is positioned at a second position, thelocking part cannot be detached from the base, so that the movement ofthe hook to the releasing position is allowed, the movement of theengaging part to the releasing position is allowed, and the movement ofthe control plate from the second position to another position islimited.

Even if the locking is performed by the locking part, therefore, theelectronic device and the member are freely detached and attached. Onthe other hand, if the locking part and a desk or the like are connectedto each other by a chain or the like, it is possible to prevent theaccessory from being stolen.

The accessory of the electronic device according to the presentinvention comprises a control plate provided in the base so as to bemovable to a plurality of positions, and a movement operating part foroperating the movement of the control plate, and is so constructed thatwhen the locking part is attached to the base to achieve locking in astate where the control plate is positioned at a third position, thelocking part cannot be detached from the base, so that the movement ofthe hook to the releasing position is allowed, the movement of theengaging part to the releasing position is limited, and the movement ofthe control plate from the third position to another position islimited.

If the control plate is set at the third position to perform thelocking, it is possible to freely attach and detach the electronicdevice to and from the accessory. Even when the user leaves his or herseat upon detaching the electronic device from the accessory, it ispossible to prevent the member from being taken out and stolen. Further,if the locking part and a desk or the like are connected to each otherby a chain or the like, it is possible to prevent the accessory frombeing stolen.

The accessory of the electronic device according to the presentinvention is constructed by providing the moving operating part on areverse surface of the base. Consequently, it is impossible for a thirdperson other than the user to know which of the first position, thesecond position, and the third position is the position of the controlplate.

The accessory of the electronic device according to the presentinvention is so constructed that an ejecting part for ejecting theelectronic device is provided in the base, and the engagement of theelectronic device by the hook is released, and the ejecting part ejectsthe electronic device when the operation lever is operated.

It is possible to simultaneously release the engagement of theelectronic device and the ejection thereof only by operating theoperation lever. Accordingly, the ejecting operation is simplified.

An accessory of an electronic device according to the present inventioncomprises a base having a mounting part on which the electronic deviceis placed, a base part arranged below the mounting part, and a housingpart housing a member, and is so constructed that either one of afunction expanding member for the electronic device and a drivingbattery for the electronic device is arbitrarily housed as the member inthe housing part.

Consequently, a space for the housing part may be smaller, as comparedwith that in such construction that both the function expanding memberand the driving battery are simultaneously housed, thereby making itpossible to miniaturize the accessory. Further, when the containment ofthe function expanding member is selected, an operation for expandingthe function of the electronic device can be performed. On the otherhand, when the containment of the driving battery is selected, it ispossible to ensure a standby battery for the electronic device. Further,the accessory is more convenient for use, as compared with that in acase where it only has a dedicated housing part housing only one of thefunction expanding member and the driving battery.

The accessory of the electronic device according to the presentinvention is so constructed that the housing part has in a cross shape ahousing space interposed between the base part and the mounting part anda housing space by the difference between steps formed in the mountingpart, and one of the function expanding member for the electronic deviceand the driving battery for the electronic device is arbitrarily housedin either one of the housing spaces.

When the housing spaces which cross each other are realized by only theshape of the base member or the shape of the mounting part, the shape ofthe base member or the shape of the mounting part becomes complicated.By the above-mentioned construction, however, the complication of theshape can be reduced. Further, the housing space corresponding to thefunction expanding member and the housing space corresponding to thedriving battery can be respectively formed most suitably, thereby makingit possible to prevent backlash or the like at the time of thecontainment.

The accessory of the electronic device according to the presentinvention is constructed by providing a charging part for charging thecontained driving battery.

Consequently, it is possible to not only contain (ensure) the standbybattery but also charge the standby battery. At the time of replacingbatteries, it is possible to load a fully charged battery in theelectronic device.

An accessory of an electronic device according to the present inventioncomprises a base having a mounting part on which the electronic deviceis placed, a first housing part housing a first member, and a secondhousing part housing a second member, and a switching operating partprovided in the base, and is so constructed that the first member or thesecond member is ejected in response to an operation of the switchingoperating part.

Consequently, the two members can be ejected by the one switchingoperating part, thereby making it possible to reduce the number of partsto reduce the cost.

The accessory of the electronic device according to the presentinvention is so constructed that a lever having its one end pivoted andhaving the other end fixed to the switching operating part is providedin the base so as to be positioned between the first housing part andthe second housing part, the first member which is abutted against thelever is ejected from the first housing part when the lever is rotatedin a first direction by operating the switching operating part, and asecond member which is abutted against the lever is ejected from thesecond housing part when the lever is rotated in a second direction.

When the switching operating part merely slides to eject the members,the switching operating part may, in some cases, be suitable for theejection of the first member but unsuitable for the ejection of thesecond member depending on the place where it is provided. As describedabove, in the case of the ejection by the lever, it is easy to form apredetermined part of the lever so as to be suitable for the ejection ofthe first member and form the other part thereof so as to be suitablefor the ejection of the second member, and the degree of freedom of theposition where the switching operating part is arranged is increased.

An accessory of an electronic device according to the present inventioncomprises a base having a mounting part on which the electronic deviceis placed and a housing part housing a member, a first projection and asecond projection which are provided in the base so as to berespectively inserted into a first hole and a second hole which areformed in the electronic device, and a second connecting terminalprovided in the base so as to be inserted into a first connectingterminal provided in the electronic device.

Consequently, the positioning between the electronic device and the baseis obtained by the fitting between the first hole and the firstprojection and the fitting between the second hole and the secondprojection, thereby making it possible to accurately connect the firstconnecting terminal to the second connecting terminal.

The accessory of the electronic device according to the presentinvention is constructed by almost perpendicularly providing both thefirst projection and the second connecting terminal, and almosthorizontally providing the second projection.

Preliminary positioning is obtained by engaging the second projectionwith the second hole. Hinge-like connection occurs by the engagement, itis easy to fit the second hole in the first projection by rotating theelectronic device using the connecting portion as a fulcrum, and thepositioning can be simply obtained by the fitting.

The accessory of the electronic device according to the presentinvention is constructed by providing a first conductive part on areverse surface of the second projection, to provide electricalgrounding between a first circuit board provided in the electronicdevice and a second circuit board provided in the base through the firstconductive part.

The grounding area is increased by the electrical grounding, therebymaking it possible to prevent noises from being produced, for example.

The accessory of the electronic device according to the presentinvention is so constructed that a second flexible conductive parthaving its one end electrically connected to the first circuit board inthe electronic device and the other end arranged so as to face thesecond hole is interposed between the first conductive part and an edgeof the second hole when the electronic device is attached to themounting part.

Consequently, it is possible to reliably prevent the first conductivepart and the second conductive part from being brought into anon-contact state.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a state where an accessory is set in afunction expanding device, and an attempt to place an electronic deviceon the accessory is made.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a state where an accessory is set in a functionexpanding device, and an electronic device is placed on the accessory.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a front portion in a statewhere an electronic device is placed on an accessory.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an accessory set in a function expandingdevice.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of an accessory.

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing an internal structure (an unlocked state)of an accessory.

FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing an internal structure of anaccessory and a plan view of a state where a control plate is put at asecond position and is locked.

FIG. 8 (a) is an enlarged view showing an operation lever, etc. of anaccessory, and FIG. 8 (b) is a side view showing an internal structurecorresponding to FIG. 8 (a).

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view showing a state where an operation lever ofan accessory is closed and a driving mechanism, etc. arranged in thevicinity thereof.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line A—A shown in FIG.9.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged view showing a state where an operation lever ofan accessory is slightly opened and a driving mechanism, etc. arrangedin the vicinity thereof.

FIG. 12 (a) is an enlarged view of a state where an operation lever ofan accessory is fully opened, and FIG. 12 (b) is a side viewcorresponding to FIG. 12 (a).

FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically showing an internal structure of anaccessory and a plan view of a state where a control plate is placed ata third position and is locked.

FIG. 14 is a diagram schematically showing an internal structure of anaccessory and a plan view of a state where a control plate is placed ata first position and is locked.

FIG. 15 (a) is a plan view of an accessory for explaining a housing parthousing a function expanding member or a driving battery, and FIG. 15(b) is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 15 (a).

FIG. 16 is a plan view of an accessory for explaining a mechanism fortaking out a member housed in a housing part.

FIG. 17 is a plan view of an accessory for explaining a mechanism fortaking out a member housed in a housing part.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

(Schematic Description)

An accessory of an electronic device according to the present embodimentwill be schematically described on the basis of FIGS. 1 and 2. Anelectronic device 5 is a notebook personal computer. The electronicdevice 5 is carried on a base 6 of an accessory 1. An opening 7 isformed on a right side surface of the base 6. Mechanical equipment 8 forexpanding the function of the electronic device 5 (for example, a floppydisk driver) can be housed in the base 6 from the opening 7. An opening14 is formed on a left side surface of the base 6, which is notillustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. Mechanical equipment 15 (for example, aCD-ROM driver) can be housed in the base 6 from the opening 14 (see FIG.6). A locking part 9 is fixed to the rear of the base 6. A key 10 isinserted into the locking part 9.

A PCMCIA card or the like is inserted into a function expanding device3, and a USB (Universal Serial Bus) terminal and a LAN (Local AreaNetwork) connecting terminal are provided in suitable places. Aprojection 11 is formed on an upper surface at the front of the functionexpanding device 3. The projection 11 is inserted into a hole formed ona bottom surface of the base 6, thereby making it possible to couple thefunction expanding device 3 and the accessory 1. The accessory 1 isplaced with its bottom surface at the front thereof brought into contactwith a desk 12, for example.

The mechanical equipment for expanding the function of the electronicdevice 5 is housed, as described above, in the accessory 1 and thefunction expanding device 3. The electronic device 5, the accessory 1,and the function expanding device 3 are coupled, to construct anexpanding system 2. Only a combination of the accessory 1 and theelectronic device 5 can sufficiently function as a system. Further, whenthe electronic device 5 is detached from the accessory 1, the electronicdevice 5 can be independently used, so that it is easy to carry.

(Description of electronic device 5)

The electronic device 5 will be described on the basis of FIGS. 1 to 3.The electronic device 5 comprises a display part 5 a and a main body 5b. The display part 5 a is constituted by a liquid crystal displaydevice, for example, and is provided such that it can be opened orclosed by a hinge (not shown) provided at the rear of the main body 5 b.

The main body 5 b is composed of plastic, for example, and is formed inan approximately box shape. A keyboard or the like is provided on asurface of the main body 5 b. An electric part such as a CPU is arrangedin the main body 5 b. First holes 5 c and 5 d are formed atpredetermined positions on a bottom surface at the rear of the main body5 b. The first holes 5 c and 5 d are formed so as to be approximatelyperpendicular to the bottom surface of the main body 5 b. Since thebottom surface of the main body 5 b is placed on a mounting part 4 inthe accessory 1, the first holes 5 c and 5 d are also approximatelyperpendicular to the mounting part 4.

An upward inclined surface 5 e is formed at the front of the main body 5b. Second holes 5 f and 5 g are formed almost level with (parallel to)the mounting part 4 at predetermined positions of the upward inclinedsurface 5 e.

A predetermined interconnection pattern is formed in a first circuitboard 5 i, and a CPU and various- types of electric parts, for example,are carried on the interconnection pattern. The first circuit board 5 iis engaged with a boss 5 h provided at the bottom of the main body 5 b.A second conductive part 5 j is composed of a flexible material (forexample, phosphor bronze), and has its one end electrically connected toa grounding pattern on the first circuit board 5 i. A hook-shapedportion formed at the other end of the second conductive part 5 j facesthe second hole 5 f. Since the second conductive part 5 j hasflexibility, the other end (the hook-shaped portion) can be moved in anA direction if it receives an external force, and is returned to itsoriginal position when the external force is eliminated.

A recess (not shown) is formed at a predetermined position at the bottomof the main body 5 b, and a first connecting terminal 5 k is arranged inthe recess. The first connecting terminal 5 k is a male connectorcomposed of 50 to 100 pins, for example. The first connecting terminal 5k is formed almost perpendicularly to the bottom surface of the mainbody 5 b. Since a bottom surface of the main body 5 b is placed in themounting part 4 in the accessory 1, the first connecting terminal 5 k isalso approximately perpendicular to the mounting part 4.

(Relationship between accessory 1 and electronic device 5)

As also shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the base 6 constituting the accessory 1mainly comprises a base part 13 and the mounting part 4. The base part13 is composed of plastic, for example, and is formed in the shape of arecess opened upward. The opening 7 is formed on a right side surface ofthe base part 13, and the mechanical equipment 8 can be housed in thebase 6 through the opening 7. Further, the opening 14 is formed on aleft side surface of the base part 13, and the mechanical equipment 15can be housed in the base 6 through the opening 14.

The mounting part 4 is composed of plastic, for example, side guideparts 16 and 18 higher than its center are formed at both its sideedges, and a front guide part 17 is formed at its front edge. The bottomsurface of the main body 5 b of the electronic device 5 is abuttedagainst mounting surfaces 19 and 20 formed at both the side edges of themounting part 4. First projections 21 and 22 projecting in the verticaldirection are formed on an upper surface at the rear of the mountingpart 4, and second projections 28 and 29 projecting in the horizontaldirection are formed in the front guide part 17. Further, openings 23,24, 25, 26, 27, etc. are formed at predetermined positions of themounting part 4. The mounting part 4 is provided on the base part 13,and is fixed to the base part 13 by a small screw (not shown) insertedinto a predetermined position.

When the electronic device 5 is set in the accessory 1, the firstprojections 21 and 22 which are approximately perpendicular to themounting part 4 are respectively fitted in the first holes 5 d and 5 cin the main body 5 b of the electronic device 5, and the secondprojections 28 and 29 which are approximately level with the mountingpart 4 are respectively fitted in the second holes 5 f and 5 g formed onthe upward inclined surface 5 e of the main body 5 b.

The first conductive part 6 a shown in FIG. 3 is composed of a metalplate having high conductivity, for example, and is formed in anapproximately □ shape along an inner surface of the second projection29.

A predetermined interconnection pattern is formed in a second circuitboard 6 c, and various types of electric parts are carried on thepattern. The second circuit board 6 c is engaged with a boss 6 bprovided at the bottom of the base part 13. An end of a third conductivepart 6 d is electrically connected to a grounding pattern on the secondcircuit board 6 c, and the other end thereof is electrically connectedto a first conductive part 6 a.

When the electronic device 5 is set in the accessory 1, the other end ofthe second conductive part 5 j is electrically connected to the firstconductive part 6 a, so that the first circuit board 5 i in theelectronic device 5 and the second circuit board 6 c in the base 6 (theaccessory 1) are grounded. Further, the second conductive part 5 j isinterposed between the first conductive part 6 a and an edge of thesecond hole 5 f, thereby making it possible to reliably prevent thefirst conductive part 6 a and the second conductive part 5 j from beingbrought into a non-contact state.

The base part 13 in the base 6 is provided with a second connectingterminal (for example, a male connector) 36, as shown in FIG. 4. Thesecond connecting terminal 36 projects almost perpendicularly to asurface of the mounting part 4 from the opening 23 formed in themounting part 4.

When the electric device 5 is set in the accessory 1, as shown in FIG.2, the second connecting terminal 36 is inserted into the firstconnecting terminal 5 k of the electronic device 5, thereby achievingelectrical connection between the terminals.

(Engaging mechanism between mechanical equipments 8 and 15)

As shown in FIG. 4, operating parts 30 and 31 are provided on an uppersurface of the mounting part 4. The operating part 30 is composed ofplastic, for example. The operating part 30 is in an approximatelyrectangular shape, as viewed from the top, and a projection is formed onits reverse surface. The operating part 30 is in an approximately Tshape, as viewed from the side. The operating part 30 is provided suchthat it can be moved backward and forward (in an a direction) upon beingguided by a side edge of an opening 27. The operating part 31 iscomposed of plastic, for example. The operating part 31 is in anapproximately rectangular shape, as viewed from the top, and aprojection is formed on its reverse surface. The operating part 31 is inan approximately T shape, as viewed from the side. The operating part 31is provided such that it can be moved backward and forward (in a bdirection) upon being guided by a side edge of the opening 26.

As shown in FIG. 6, a projection formed on the reverse surface of theoperating part 30 is engaged with an engaging part driving plate 32. Theengaging part driving plate 32 is provided so as to be horizontallyrotatable around a shaft 33 formed in the base part 13. The engagingpart driving plate 32 is rotated when the operating part 31 is movedbackward and forward. A pin (indicated by a broken line) is provided inan upright state in the engaging part driving plate 32, and the pin isinserted into a hole formed in an engaging part 34. The engaging part 34is guided by a guide formed in the base part 13, and is moved backwardand forward by the rotation of the engaging part driving plate 32. Afront end of the engaging part 34 is obliquely notched. When themechanical equipment 8 is inserted into the accessory 1, the mechanicalequipment 8 is abutted against the obliquely notched portion, so thatthe engaging part 34 slides backward.

When the user moves the operating part 30 backward and forward, theengaging part driving plate 32 is rotated, and the engaging part 34 isalso moved backward and forward by the rotation. When the user moves theoperating part 30 backward, the engaging part 34 is also moved backward.Accordingly, a front end of the engaging part 34 comes off an engaginghole of the mechanical equipment 8. Consequently, the engagement of themechanical equipment 8 by the engaging part 34 is released, therebymaking it possible to take out the mechanical equipment 8 from theaccessory 1. When the user moves the operating part 30 forward (in acase where a spring is provided, the operating part 30 is moved forwardby a force of the spring), the engaging part 34 is also moved forward.Accordingly, the front end of the engaging part 34 is inserted into theengaging hole of the mechanical equipment 8. The mechanical equipment 8is engaged by the engaging part 34. The mechanical equipment 8 cannot betaken out of the accessory 1 even by merely making an attempt to pullout the mechanical equipment 8.

A projection formed on the reverse surface of the operating part 31 isengaged with an engaging part 35. The engaging part 35 is guided by aguide formed in the base part 13, and is moved backward and forward bythe back-and-forth movement of the operating part 31. A front end of theengaging part 35 is obliquely notched. When the mechanical equipment 15is inserted into the accessory 1, the mechanical equipment 15 is abuttedagainst the obliquely notched portion, so that the engaging part 35slides backward.

When the user moves the operating part 31 backward, the engaging part 35is moved backward, and a front end of the engaging part 35 comes off anengaging hole of the mechanical equipment 15. Consequently, theengagement of the mechanical equipment 15 by the engaging part 35 isreleased, thereby making it possible to take out the mechanicalequipment 15 from the accessory 1. When the user moves the operatingpart 31 forward (in a case where a spring is provided, the operatingpart 31 is moved forward by a force of the spring), the engaging part 35is also moved forward. Accordingly, the front end of the engaging part35 is inserted into the engaging hole of the mechanical equipment 15.The mechanical equipment 15 is engaged by the engaging part 35. Themechanical equipment 15 cannot be taken out of the accessory 1 even bymerely making an attempt to pull out the mechanical equipment 15.

The engaging parts 34 and 35 respectively inhibit or allow themechanical equipments 8 and 15 from being taken out or to be taken outdepending on states where the operating parts 30 and 31 are operated(for example, whether the operating parts are at a front position or arear position).

(Operating mechanism for engaging and ejecting electric device 5)

An operation lever 37 (37R) is provided on a right side surface at therear of the accessory 1, and an operation lever 37 (37L) is provided ona left side surface at the rear thereof.

The operation lever 37 is composed of plastic, for example. Theoperation lever 37R is provided so as to be horizontally rotatablearound a shaft 38 formed in the base part 13. A rotating plate 39 iscomposed of a metal, for example. The rotating plate 39 is provided soas to be horizontally rotated around the shaft 38 in synchronizationwith the operation of the operation lever 37R. The details of aconnecting structure of the operation lever 37R and the rotating plate39 will be described later. When the operation lever 37 is in its closedstate (a state shown in FIG. 6), an outer surface of the operation lever37 is made approximately flush with an outer surface of the base part 13constituting the base 6.

A hook driving plate 40 is composed of plastic, for example. A lower pin41 fixed to the rotating plate 39 is inserted into a hole formed in thehook driving plate 40. The hook driving plate 40 is moved backward andforward in synchronization with the rotation of the rotating plate 39 bythe lower pin 41. A hook 42 is composed of plastic, for example, and isprovided so as to be movable backward and forward (in a d direction) andso as to be urged forward. An upper end of the hook 42 is formed in ahook shape, and the hook-shaped upper end projects toward an uppersurface of the mounting part 4. The hook-shaped upper end is engagedwith a receiving part 60 (see FIG. 8) in the electric device 5 which isplaced on the mounting part 4. A lower end (root) of the hook 42 isabutted against a cam 41 a (see FIG. 9). The movement of the hookdriving plate 40 is transmitted to the hook 42 through the cam 41 a.

When the operation lever 37R is pulled in a C direction (in an openingdirection), the rotating plate 39 which is synchronized with theoperation lever 37R is rotated in a clockwise direction. The rotation ofthe rotating plate 39 is transmitted to the hook driving plate 40 by thelower pin 41. The hook driving plate 40 is moved backward, and the hook42 is moved backward through the cam 41 a. Consequently, the hook 42comes off the receiving part 60 in the electronic device 5, and the hook42 releases the engagement of the electronic device.

When the operation lever 37R is rotated in a direction opposite to a Cdirection (in a closing direction), the rotating plate 39 is rotated ina counterclockwise direction, and the hook driving plate 40 and the hook42 are moved forward. Consequently, the hook 42 is caught on thereceiving part 60 in the electronic device 5, to engage the electronicdevice 5. The hook 42 thus engages and releases the engagement of theelectronic device 5 depending on an operating state (for example, anopened state or a closed state) of the operation lever 37R.

An ejecting part driving plate 43 is composed of plastic, for example.The ejecting part driving plate 43 is formed so as to extend in aback-and-forth direction, and has an inclined-shaped portion whose frontis higher. An upper pin 44 fixed to the rotating plate 39 is insertedinto a front end of the ejecting part driving plate 43, and the ejectingpart driving plate 43 is moved backward and forward by the rotation ofthe rotating plate 39. An ejecting part 45 is composed of plastic, forexample, and is formed in an approximately rectangular parallelepipedshape. The ejecting part 45 is provided so as to be movable upward anddownward upon being guided by the surrounding member. A bottom surfaceof the ejecting part 45 is abutted against the inclined-shaped portionof the ejecting part driving plate 43. Accordingly, the ejecting part 45is moved upward and downward by the back-and-forth movement of theejecting plate driving plate 43, and projects from the mounting part 4at the time of the upward movement, while being approximately flush withthe mounting part 4 at the time of the downward movement.

That is, when the operation lever 37R is rotated in a direction oppositeto a C direction (in a closing direction), the rotating plate 39 isrotated in a counterclockwise direction, the ejecting part driving plate43 is moved forward, and the ejecting part 45 is moved downward.Accordingly, the ejecting part 45 does not project from the mountingpart 4.

The user pulls the operation lever 37R in a C direction (in an openingdirection), so that the rotating plate 39 is rotated in a clockwisedirection, the ejecting part driving plate 43 is moved backward, and theejecting part 45 is moved upward to project from the mounting part 4.The operation lever 37R is thus pulled in a C direction (in an openingdirection), so that the ejecting part 45 projects from the mounting part4 to eject the electronic device 5, and the hook 42 releases theengagement of the electronic device 5, as described above. Ejection isrealized by this series of operations.

Similarly, a hook 42L engages or releases the engagement of theelectronic device 5 in response to a state where an operation lever 37Lwhich is arranged on the left side of the base part 13 is operated (forexample, in an opened state or a closed state). When the operation lever37L is operated so as to be rotated in a C direction (in an openingdirection) around the shaft 38L, a rotating plate 39L is rotated in acounterclockwise direction. A hook driving plate 40L is moved backwardby a lower pin 41L of the rotating plate 39L, the hook 42L is also movedbackward through a cam 41La, and the hook 42L releases the engagementwith the electronic device 5. Further, the ejecting part driving plate43L is moved backward through an upper pin 44L fixed to the rotatingplate 39L, and an ejecting part 45L projects from the mounting part 4,to eject the electronic device 5.

(Mechanism for controlling operations of operating parts 30 and 31 andoperation levers 37R and 37L)

An operating part 46 is composed of plastic, for example. The operatingpart 46 is provided so as to be movable rightward and leftward (in an edirection) upon being guided by an edge of an opening formed on thebottom surface of the base part 13. Since the operating part 46 isprovided on a reverse surface of the base 6, the user operates theoperating part 46 on the side of the reverse surface of the base 6. Aprojection 47 projecting forward is formed in the operating part 46. Theprojection 47 is engaged with a control plate 48.

The control plate 48 is composed of a metal, for example, and has ashape extending in a right-and-left direction. A folded portion 49folded downward is formed at the front right of the control plate 48,and has long holes 50 and 51 extending in a right-and-left directionformed in its suitable places. Pins fixed to the base part 13 arerespectively inserted into the long holes 50 and 51, so that the controlplate 48 can be moved rightward and leftward (in an f direction) uponbeing guided by the pins. A recess 52 is formed at a rear edge of anapproximately central portion of the control plate 48, and theprojection 47 is inserted into the recess 52. Further, three recesses g,h, and i are formed side by side in the horizontal direction at a rightrear edge of the control plate 48.

A moving plate 53 is composed of a metal, for example, and is providedso as to be movable backward and forward. The moving plate 53 comprisesan abutting part 54 against which a front end 58 of the locking part 9is abutted and a moving part 55 connected to the abutting part 54. A pin56 is fixed to a reverse surface at a front end of the moving part 55.The pin 56 is engaged with any one of the three recesses g, h, and idepending on the position of the control plate 48.

An example of the locking part 9 is one of a Kensington type. One end ofa chain (not shown) is fixed to a projection 57 provided on an outersurface of the cylinder, and the other end of the chain is fixed to afixture (not shown) provided in the desk 12 or a drawer, for example.Even if the user inserts the key 10 into the locking part 9, the lockingpart 9 is in its unlocked state before the key 10 is turned (see FIG.6). The locking part 9 and the base part 13 are not fixed to each other.Accordingly, the locking part 9 can be detached. The locking part 9 isinserted into the base part 13, so that the abutting part 54 is pressedin a i direction by the front end 58 irrespective of whether or notlocking is performed. That is, when the locking part 9 is inserted intothe base part 13, the locking part 9 is inserted after the position ofthe control plate 48 is selected, and is fixed to the base part 13. Thefront end 58 of the locking part 9 and a fixed guide (not shown) areinserted into a long hole (not shown) of the base part 13. By rotatingthe key 10 through 90°, the front end 58 of the locking part 9 issimilarly rotated through 90°, and is fixed with the base part 13interposed between the main body of the locking part 9 and the inside ofthe front end 58. In this case, the locking part 9 is fitted in the longhole of the base part 13 by the fixed guide, so that it can be neitherrotated nor pulled out of the long hole (the locked state).Consequently, the accessory 1 can be only moved in a range in which thelength of the chain is allowed, thereby preventing the accessory 1 frombeing stolen. Further, the front end 58 advances forward, so that themoving plate 53 is moved forward. An engaged state between the pin 56and any one of the three recesses g, h, and i is held. Even if the userpulls out the key 10, the locked state is maintained.

(Assembling of function expanding device, accessory, and electronicdevice)

The function expanding device 3 is placed on the desk 12, the accessory1 is placed on the function expanding device 3 such that the projection11 is inserted into the hole of the base 6 (see FIG. 2), the mechanicalequipment 8 is housed in the accessory 1 from the opening 7 of theaccessory 1, and the operating part 30 is moved forward to engage themechanical equipment 8. When the operating part 30 is urged forward bythe spring, the mechanical equipment 8 can be engaged without botheringthe user. Similarly, the mechanical equipment 15 is housed in theaccessory 1 from the opening 14 of the accessory 1, and the operatingpart 31 is moved forward to engage the mechanical equipment 15. When theoperating part 31 is urged forward by the spring, the mechanicalequipment 15 can be engaged without bothering the user.

In a state where the operation lever 37 is closed, the electronic device5 is then placed on the accessory 1. Specifically, the electronic device5 is placed on the accessory 1 by respectively inserting the secondprojections 28 and 29 in the accessory 1 into the second holes 5 f and 5g provided at the front of the electronic device 5. At this time, thefirst projections 21 and 22 are respectively fitted in the first holes 5d and 5 c in the main body 5 b of the electronic device 5. Further, thehook 42 is movable backward and forward (in a d direction). Accordingly,the hook-shaped front end of the hook 42 is pressed by the electronicdevice 5 placed on the mounting part 4, so that the hook 42 is movedbackward. When the hook-shaped front end of the hook 42 is completelyinserted into a hole 59 in the electronic device 5, the hook 42 is movedforward, so that the hook-shaped front end is engaged with the receivingpart 60. Further, in a state where the operation lever 37 is closed, theejecting part driving plates 43 and 43L are positioned on the forefrontside, and the ejecting parts 45 and 45L are at their lowermost points inthe vertical direction (in an m direction) and does not attempt to ejectthe electronic device 5. Accordingly, the electronic device 5 is stablyfixed to the accessory 1.

(Detailed description of operation lever)

The operation lever 37 will be described in detail on the basis of FIGS.8 to 10. The operation lever 37R is constructed by integrally forming alever 64 and a shaft 65. The shaft 38 is provided upon penetrating aflat washer 66, a bearing 67, and a fixed plate 68. That is, the shaft38 is inserted into a hole of the bearing 67, and the bearing 67 isinserted into a hole formed in the shaft 65 constituting the operationlever 37. A lower end of the shaft 38 is fixed to the fixed plate 68 bycaulking or the like. A small-diameter portion is formed in an upperpart of the shaft 38, and an E-type snap ring 69 is positioned above theflat washer 66 and is attached to the small-diameter portion.

The bearing 67 is composed of brass, for example, and is formed in anapproximately cylindrical shape. A first notch 70 is formed in an uppersuitable place, and a second notch 71 is formed at a lower predeterminedposition. An outer shape of the bearing 67 forms an approximately Dshape, as viewed from the bottom, by the second notch 71. Similarly, theshape of a hole formed in the shaft 65 forms an approximately D shape,as viewed from the bottom, because a flat surface 81 is formed.

Predetermined clearances p and g are provided between the shaft 65 andthe bearing 67. In the present embodiment, the sum of p and g is set tonot less than 0.05 mm.

The rotating plate 39 is constructed by forming a first flat portion 72and a second flat portion 73 in different steps. The bearing 67 isinserted into a hole formed in the first flat portion 72. A foldedportion 74 which is partially folded downward is formed in a suitableplace of the first flat portion. 72. A predetermined clearance r isprovided, as shown in FIG. 9, between the first notch 70 of the bearing67 and the folded portion 74 of the rotating plate 39.

An upper pin 44 is fixed to an upper part of the second flat portion 73of the rotating plate 39, and a lower pin 41 is fixed to a lower partthereof. The lower pin 41 is inserted into a hole 75 formed in the hookdriving plate 40.

The can 41 a is provided so as to be horizontally rotatable upon beingsupported on a shaft 76 fixed to the base part 13. A spring 77 urges thecam 41 a in a counterclockwise direction. A front surface of the cam 41a is abutted against a rear surface of the hook driving plate 40, and arear surface of the cam 41 a is abutted against a front surface of thehook 42. The hook 42 may be urged forward. For example, a movable member83 which is abutted against the rear of the cam 41 a and is movable in ad direction is provided, the movable member 83 and the hook 42 are fixedto each other, and a spring 84 is provided at the rear of the movablemember 83, thereby making it possible to urge the movable member 84 andthe hook 42 forward. Further, the operation lever 37R is urged in acounterclockwise direction by a spring 78. Unless the user operates thelever 64, the operation lever 37R assumes its closed state.

When a mechanism for transmitting an operating force of the operationlever 37R to the hook 42 is defined as a driving mechanism 79, thedriving mechanism 79 comprises the shaft 38, the flat washer 66, thebearing 67, the fixed plate 68, the E-type stop ring 69, the rotatingplate 39, the lower pin 41, the hook driving plate 40, the cam 41 a, andso forth, in the above-mentioned example.

A predetermined clearance is provided between the operation lever 37Rand the driving mechanism 79. In this example, the predeterminedclearances p and g are provided between the shaft 65 constituting theoperation lever 37 and the bearing 67 constituting the driving mechanism79.

Furthermore, the driving mechanism 79 is constituted by a plurality ofmembers, and a predetermined clearance is provided between at least onepair of members out of the plurality of members. In this example, thepredetermined clearance r is provided between the first notch 70 formedin the bearing 67 and the folded portion 74 formed in the rotating plate39.

(Opening operation of operation lever)

When the electronic device 5 fixed to the accessory 1 is detached, theuser inserts his or her finger into a recess of the base part 13 (seeFIG. 9). When an end at the rear of the lever 64 is slightly rotated ina C direction in this inserted state, a state shown in FIG. 11 occurs.When the lever 64 is only slightly rotated in a C direction, the shaft65 in the operation lever 37R is slightly rotated in a clockwisedirection. However, the bearing 67 has not been rotated yet by thepredetermined clearances p and g.

When the lever 64 is further rotated in a C direction, the second notch71 formed in the bearing 67 is abutted against the flat surface part 81formed in the shaft 65. The bearing 67 starts to be rotated after theabutment. In a state where the hook 42 is engaged with the receivingpart 60 in the electronic device 5, that is, in a state where the hookdriving plate 40 is moved toward the forefront so that the rotatingplate 39 is rotated most in a counterclockwise direction, however, theclearance r is provided between the first notch 70 formed in the bearing67 and the folded portion 74 formed in the rotating plate 39. Even ifthe bearing 67 is slightly rotated, therefore, an abutted surface 82 ofthe first notch 70 is not abutted against the folded portion 74, and therotating plate 39 has not been rotated yet.

When the lever 64 is further rotated in a C direction, the shaft 65 andthe bearing 67 are further rotated, the abutted surface 82 of the firstnotch 70 is abutted against the folded portion 74, and the rotatingplate 39 starts to be rotated.

A state elapsed from the time when the operation for rotating theoperation lever 37R is thus started until the rotating plate 39 startsto be rotated is referred to as an initial state. As described above, inthe initial state, the operation lever 37R can be opened to apredetermined angle from its closed state by the presence of theclearances p, g, and r.

In the initial state, the rotating plate 39 is not rotated, so that thelower pin 41, the hook driving plate 40, and the cam 41 a are not moved(in a stationary state). Consequently, the hook 42 is maintained in itsengaged state with the electronic device 5. In the initial state, aspring force of the spring 77 provided in the cam 41 a and a springforce of a spring (for example, the spring 84) provided in the hook 42are not exerted on the operation lever 37R.

In the initial state, only a spring force of the spring 78 is exerted onthe operation lever 37R. If the spring force of the spring 78 isweakened, therefore, the user can open the operation lever 37R to apredetermined angle in a C direction by a small force.

In the initial state, the rotating plate 39, the hook driving plate 40,and the cam 41 a which constitute the driving mechanism 79 are notmoved. Accordingly, a force for moving the members is not required. Thatis, in the initial state, the members constituting the driving mechanism79 are not moved, that is, the driving mechanism 79 is caused to standstill. Accordingly, in the initial state, the user can open theoperation lever 37 to a predetermined angle in a C direction by a smallforce.

Furthermore, as described on the basis of FIG. 8, the ejecting part 45is placed on an inclined-shaped portion of the ejecting part drivingplate 43, and the ejecting part driving plate 43 is moved backward, toeject the ejecting part 45 upward and eject the electronic device 5. Inthe initial state, however, the rotating plate 39 is not rotated, sothat the ejecting part driving plate 43 is not moved, not to eject theejecting part 45. In the initial state, therefore, it is possible toprevent the own weight of the electronic device 5 from being produced asa force against an operating force of the operation lever 37R throughthe ejecting part 45. Accordingly, the user can open the operation lever37R to a predetermined angle in a C direction by a small force.

Even if a recess 80 in the base part 13 provided for the user catchinghis or her finger on the operation lever 37R is small, the operationlever 37R can be easily opened to a predetermined angle from its closedstate. When the operation lever 37R is further opened through more thanthe predetermined angle, a relatively large force is required. However,the operation lever 37R is opened through the predetermined angle.Accordingly, the user can tightly catch his or her finger on theoperation lever 37R. Therefore, a large force can be easily applied tothe operation lever 37R.

When the operation lever 37R is further opened from the predeterminedangle, the rotating plate 39 is rotated in a clockwise direction (seeFIG. 12). The hook driving plate 40 which is synchronized with the lowerpin 41 fixed to the rotating plate 39 is moved backward, so that the cam41 a is rotated in a clockwise direction. Although a portion, whosedistance from the shaft 76 is short, of the cam 41 a is abutted againstthe hook 42 in the initial state, a portion, whose distance from theshaft 76 is gradually increased, of the cam 41 a is abutted against thehook 42 by the rotation in a clockwise direction. Consequently, the hook42 is moved backward.

Although the hook-shaped upper end of the hook 42 is engaged with thereceiving part 60 in the electronic device 5 placed on the mounting part4, the hook-shaped upper end comes off the receiving part 60 by thebackward movement of the hook 42. Accordingly, the hook 42 releases theengagement of the electronic device 5.

Furthermore, when the operation lever 37 is further opened from thepredetermined angle, and the rotating plate 39 is rotated in a clockwisedirection, the ejecting part driving plate 43 which is synchronized withthe upper pin 44 fixed to the rotating plate 39 is moved backward, andthe ejecting part 45 is moved upward, to eject the electronic device 5.A clearance is formed between the acessory 1 and the electronic device 5by the ejecting operation. The user can insert his or her finger intothe clearance and catches the finger on the electronic device 5, therebymaking it possible to easily detach the electronic device 5 from theaccessory 1.

The mounting part 4 in the accessory 1 is exposed by detaching theelectronic device 5, thereby making it possible to operate the operatingparts 30 and 31. When the operating part 30 is slid backward in order totake out the mechanical equipment 8, the engaging part driving plate 32is slightly rotated, and the engaging part 34 is moved backward by therotation. Consequently, the engagement of the mechanical equipment 8 bythe engaging part 34 is released, thereby making it possible to take outthe mechanical equipment 8 from the accessory 1.

When the operating part 31 is slid backward in order to take out themechanical equipment 15, the engaging part 35 is also moved backward.Consequently, the engagement of the mechanical equipment 15 by theengaging part 35 is released, thereby making it possible to take out themechanical equipment 15 from the accessory 1.

(State where pin 56 is engaged with recess g: second position)

Description was made of a state where the pin 56 is engaged with therecess g (a second position). That is, at the second position, all theoperations of the operating parts 30 and 31 and the operation levers 37Rand 37L are allowed. At the second position, the operations of theoperating parts 30 and 31 are thus allowed. Accordingly, the mechanicalequipments 8 and 15 can be attached to the accessory 1, and themechanical equipments 8 and 15 can be taken out of the accessory 1, asdescribed above. Further, an operation for opening the operation lever37 is allowed. Accordingly, the electronic device 5 can be ejected byreleasing the engagement of the electronic device 5 by the hook 42 andmoving the ejecting part 45 upward. In order to select the secondposition, the operating part 46 is operated with the locking part 9 inits unlocked state, to align the recess g of the control plate 48 withthe pin 56.

(State where pin 56 is engaged with recess h: third position)

As shown in FIG. 13, in a state where the pin 56 is engaged with therecess h (a third position), the operation levers 37R and 37L can beoperated. However, the operating parts 30 and 31 cannot be operated. Inorder to select the third position, the operating part 46 is operatedwith the locking part 9 in its unlocked state, to align the recess h ofthe control plate 48 with the pin 56.

When the user turns the key 10 to perform locking, the moving plate 53advances in a j direction upon being pressed by the front end 58. Themoving plate 53 advances in a i j direction, so that the pin 56 fixedthereto also advances in a j direction. The pin 56 is inserted into therecess h, so that the control plate 48 is locked.

In this state, the folded portion 49 of the control plate 48 is abuttedagainst the rear of the engaging part 34. Accordingly, the operatingpart 30 cannot be slid backward, so that the engaged state of themechanical equipment 8 cannot be released. Further, a projection (notshown) is formed on a reverse surface of the engaging part 35. Theprojection is abutted against the edge 61 of the control plate 48.Therefore, the operating part 31 cannot be slid backward. Accordingly,the engaged state of the mechanical equipment 15 cannot be released.

When the control plate 48 is thus set at the third position, to achievelocking by the locking part 9, the engaged states of the mechanicalequipments 8 and 15 cannot be released. Accordingly, the mechanicalequipments 8 and 15 cannot be taken out and therefore, can be preventedfrom being stolen.

At the third position, the operation levers 37R and 37L can be operated.By pulling the operation lever 37R and 37L in a C direction, therotating plate 39 is rotated in a clockwise direction, the rotatingplate 39L is rotated in a counterclockwise direction, the hook drivingplates 40 and 40L are moved backward, the cams 41 a and 4lLa arerotated, the hooks 42 and 42L are moved backward, and the hooks 42 and42L are moved backward, so that the engagement of the electronic device5 is released. Further, the ejecting part driving plates 43 and 43L aremoved backward, and the ejecting parts 45 and 45L are raised, to ejectthe electronic device 5.

When the control plate 48 is set at the third position to performlocking, therefore, the electronic device 5 can be freely attached anddetached to and from the accessory 1, and the operating parts 30 and 31cannot be operated even if they are exposed because the electronicdevice 5 is detached from the accessory 1, thereby making it possible toprevent the mechanical equipments 8 and 15 from being stolen.

(State where pin 56 is engaged with recess i: first position)

In a state where the pin 56 is engaged with the recess i (a firstposition), as shown in FIG. 14, neither the operating parts 30 and 31nor the operating levers 37R and 37L can be operated. In order to selectthe first position, the operating part 46 is operated in a state wherethe locking part 9 is in its unlocked state, to align the recess i ofthe control plate 48 with the pin 56.

When the user turns the key 10 to perform locking, the moving plate 53advances in a j direction upon being pressed by the front end 58. Themoving plate 53 advances in a j direction, so that the pin 56 fixedthereto also advances in a i direction. The pin 56 is inserted into therecess i of the control plate 48, so that the control plate 48 islocked.

In this state, the folded portion 49 of the control plate 48 is abuttedagainst the rear of the engaging part 34, so that the operating part 30cannot be slid backward. Accordingly, the engaged state of themechanical equipment 8 cannot be released. Further, a projection (notshown) is formed on the reverse surface of the engaging part 35. Theprojection is abutted against the edge 61 of the control plate 48.Therefore, the operating part 31 cannot be slid backward, so that theengaged state of the mechanical equipment 15 cannot be released.

Furthermore, at the first position, the hook 40 a formed at a front endof the hook driving plate 40 is engaged with the folded portion 62 ofthe control plate 48. Accordingly, the hook driving plate 40 cannot bemoved backward.

Even if an attempt to open the operation lever 37R is made, therefore,the operation lever 37R cannot be opened through not less than apredetermined angle. Since the hook driving plate 40 cannot be moved,the hook 42 cannot be caused to retreat. Accordingly, the engaged stateof the electronic device 5 is maintained. Further, the ejecting partdriving plate 43 which is synchronized with the operation lever 37Rcannot be moved backward. Therefore, the ejecting part 45 cannot beraised, and the electronic device 5 cannot be ejected.

Similarly, a step formed at a right edge of the hook driving plate 40Lis engaged with a step 63 formed at a left end of the control plate 48.Accordingly, the hook driving plate 40L cannot be moved backward.

Even if an attempt to open the operation lever 37L is made, therefore,the operation lever 37L cannot be opened through not less than thepredetermined angle. Since the hook driving plate 40L cannot be moved,the hook 42L cannot be caused to retreat. Accordingly, the engaged stateof the electronic device 5 is maintained. Further, the ejecting partdriving plate 43L which is synchronized with the operation lever 37Lcannot be moved backward. Accordingly, the ejecting part 45 L cannot beraised. Therefore, the electronic device 5 is not ejected.

When the control plate 48 is set at the first position to lock thelocking part 9, therefore, the engaged states of the mechanicalequipments 8 and 15 cannot be released. Accordingly, the mechanicalequipments 8 and 15 cannot be taken out and therefore, can be preventedfrom being stolen. Further, the rotation of the operation lever 37 islimited. Accordingly, the electronic device 5 cannot be ejected andtherefore, can be prevented from being stolen.

The operating part 46 is provided on the reverse surface of the base 6.Therefore, a third person other than the user cannot easily know whichof the first position, the second position, and the third position isthe position of the control plate 48.

(Containment of driving battery in accessory 1)

As shown in FIG. 15, a housing part 101 is formed between the mountingpart 4 and the base part 13. Although the mechanical equipment 8 can bealso housed in the housing part 101 through the opening 7, a drivingbattery 117 (175 mm in length by 85 mm in width, for example) can behoused in place of the mechanical equipment 8 by opening a cover 102constituting a part of the mounting part 4.

Projections 103 and 104 projecting upward are formed so as to extend ina right-and-left direction in the base part 13. When the mechanicalequipment 8 is housed in the housing part 101, the mechanical equipment8 is interposed between the recesses 103 and 104 in FIG. 15, themechanical equipment 8 is indicated by an imaginary line.

An opening 105 appears by detaching the cover 102. Flanges 106 and 107for receiving the cover 102 are formed in predetermined areas at aperipheral edge of the opening 105. The flanges 106 and 107 are formedso as to be lower than the mounting part 4 by the thickness of the cover102 so that no step occurs in the mounting part 4 by the cover 102.

A battery housing space (a longwise space F) of the housing part 101 isconstituted by a space which is shared with a space housing a rear wall108, a front wall 109, a rear bottom 110, a front bottom 111, a rearleft sidewall (a range indicated by A) 113, a rear right sidewall (arange indicated by B) 114, a front left sidewall (a range indicated byC) 115, a front right sidewall (a range indicated by D) 116, and themechanical equipment 8. The rear bottom 110 and the front bottom 111 areformed so as to be slightly higher than a bottom surface (the base part13) of the space housing the mechanical equipment 8. The rear wall 108,the front wall 109, the rear bottom 110, the front bottom 111, the rearleft sidewall 113, the rear right sidewall 114, the front left sidewall115, the front right sidewall 116, the flanges 106 and 107, and a flatportion 112 of the mounting part 4 are integrally formed.

A mechanical equipment housing space (an oblong space E) of the housingpart 101 is constituted by a space controlled by the bottom surface ofthe base part 13 and the recesses 103 and 104.

Either one of the mechanical equipment 8 and the driving battery 117 forthe electronic device 5 can be thus arbitrarily housed in the housingpart 101. That is, the user can house the mechanical equipment 8 in thehousing part 101 when an attempt to expand the function thereof is made,while housing the battery 117 upon detaching the mechanical equipment 8when an attempt to the battery 117 is made. The battery 117 and themechanical equipment 8 cannot be simultaneously housed in the housingpart 101.

The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment.For example, it is possible to house the mechanical equipment 8 in thespace F and to house the driving battery 117 in the space E. In otherwords, the housing part 101 can select a form in which a housed objectis supported on the bottoms 110 and 111 formed in the mounting part 4and a form in which the housed object is supported on the base part 13.The mechanical equipment 8 and the driving battery 117 may be housed inany form. When the housing part 101 is realized only by the shape of thebase member or the shape of the mounting part 4, the shape of the basemember or the shape of the mounting part 4 becomes complicated. If it isconstructed, as described above, the shape cannot be prevented frombeing complicated, and the space F corresponding to the mechanicalequipment 8 and the space E corresponding to the battery 117 can berespectively formed most suitably, thereby making it possible to preventbacklash at the time of the containment.

Although the housing part 101 cannot simultaneously house both themechanical equipment 8 and the driving battery 117, either one of themcan be selectively housed, thereby making it possible to make a spacesmaller, as compared with that in such construction that both of themare housed. Accordingly, the accessory 1 can be miniaturized. The useris given freedom of selection, as compared with such a dedicated typehousing portion that either one of them can be only housed. That is,when an operation of the electronic device whose function is expanded isdesired, the containment of the mechanical equipment 8 can be selected.When an attempt to ensure a standby battery for the electronic device 5is made, it is possible to select the containment of the driving battery117.

A charging part 118 for charging the driving battery 117 is incorporatedinto a circuit board (not shown) arranged on the base part 13. Thedriving battery 117 housed in the housing part 101 is electricallyconnected to the charging part 118 by a terminal. When the accessory 1is connected to a commercial power supply (an AC power supply), thecharging part 118 charges the battery 117.

When a voltage of the battery housed in the electronic device 5 drops,the electronic device 5 can be directly operated by taking out andreplacing the driving battery 117, which is very convenient. Further,the battery whose voltage drops can be housed in the housing part 101and charged.

The cover 102 may be engaged and the engagement thereof may be releasedby operating the operating part 30. For example, a hook portion isformed on a reverse surface of the cover 102. A member which is engagedwith the hook portion when the operating part 30 is at a front position(a position where the member 8 is engaged) and is detached from the hookportion when the operating part 30 is at a rear position (a positionwhere the engagement of the member 8 is released) may be provided.Consequently, the battery can be also prevented from being stolen.

(Ejecting operation of equipments 8 and 15)

As shown in FIG. 6, a switching operating part 119 is composed ofplastic, for example, is positioned approximately intermediate betweenthe mechanical equipment 8 and the mechanical equipment 15, and isarranged so as to be operable from an opening formed in the mountingpart 4. A lever 120 is composed of a metal plate, for example, and theswitching operating part 119 is fixed to its front end. The lever 120 ishorizontally rotated by supporting its rear end on a shaft 121.Accordingly, the user can operate the switching operating part 119 in aG direction (rightward and leftward).

An intermediate position of the lever 120 is provided with a projection122 projecting toward its reverse surface. When the switching operatingpart 119 is at a central position H of the opening, a right side surfaceof the projection 122 is abutted against a rear end surface of themechanical equipment 8, and a left side surface of the projection 122 isabutted against a rear end surface of the mechanical equipment 15. Inthis state, both the mechanical equipments 8 and 15 are in completelyhoused states.

When the mechanical equipment 8 is detached, the operating part 30 isoperated to move the engaging part 34 backward, thereby releasing theengaged state of the mechanical equipment 8 by the engaging part 34.When the switching operating part 119 is moved rightward to a rightposition I, as shown in FIG. 16, in this released state, the lever 120is rotated in a counterclockwise direction, and the mechanical equipment8 is ejected rightward upon being pressed against the right side surfaceof the projection 122. At this time, a male connector 123 provided atthe rear end of the mechanical equipment 8 is detached from a femaleconnector 134 provided in the base 6. The mechanical equipment 8 is thusejected. A front right edge of the lever 120 (a part corresponding tothe position of the connector) may be formed so as to contribute to theejection of the mechanical equipment 8.

When the mechanical equipment 15 is taken out, the operating part 31 isoperated to move the engaging part 35 backward, thereby releasing theengaged state of the mechanical equipment 15 by the engaging part 35, asshown in FIG. 17. When the switching operating part 119 is movedleftward to a left position J in the released state, the lever 120 isrotated in a clockwise direction, and the mechanical equipment 15 isejected leftward upon being pressed against the left side surface of theprojection 122. At this time, a female connector 125 provided at therear end of the mechanical equipment 15 is detached from a maleconnector 126 provided in the base 6. The mechanical equipment 8 is thusejected.

In the accessory 1, the electronic device 5 can be thus placed on themounting part 4 in the base 6, and the mechanical equipments 8 and 15can be housed in the base 6. The mechanical equipments 8 and 15 can beejected by operating the switching operating part 119. Since themechanical equipments 8 and 15 are ejected in the one switchingoperating part 119, the number of parts is small, thereby making itpossible to reduce the cost. Further, the mechanical equipments 8 and 15are ejected by rotating the lever 120 in a clockwise direction and in acounterclockwise direction. Accordingly, an ejecting force can beexerted on a position suitable for each of the mechanical equipments,and the degree of freedom of the position where the switching operatingpart 19 is arranged is increased.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

As described in the foregoing, an accessory of an electronic deviceaccording to the present invention is effective as one for expanding thefunction of the electronic device or the like as well as capable ofpreventing the electronic device from being stolen while improving theoperability in attachment and detachment of the electronic device.

What is claimed is:
 1. An accessory of an electronic devicecharacterized by comprising a base having a mounting part on which theelectronic device is placed and a housing part housing a member, a hookprovided in the base so as to be movable between an engaging positionwhere the electronic device is to be engaged and a releasing positionwhere the engagement is to be released, an operation lever provided inthe base in order to operate the hook, an engaging part provided in thebase so as to be movable between an engaging position where a memberhoused in the housing part is to be engaged and a releasing positionwhere the engagement is to be released, an operating part provided inthe base in order to operate the engaging part, and a locking partprovided so as to be attachable and detachable to and from the base, andbeing so constructed that the locking part cannot be detached from thebase when the locking part is attached to the base to achieve locking,the movement of the hook to the releasing position is limited, and themovement of the engaging part to the releasing position is limited. 2.The accessory of the electronic device according to claim 1,characterized by comprising a control plate provided in the base so asto be movable to a plurality of positions, and a movement operating partfor operating the movement of the control plate, and being soconstructed that when the locking part is attached to the base toachieve locking in a state where the control plate is positioned at afirst position, the locking part cannot be detached from the base, sothat the movement of the hook to the releasing position is limited, themovement of the engaging part to the releasing position is limited, andthe movement of the control plate from the first position to anotherposition is limited.
 3. The accessory of the electronic device accordingto claim 1, characterized by being so constructed that an ejecting partfor ejecting the electronic device is provided in the base, and theengagement of the electronic device by the hook is released, and theejecting part ejects the electronic device when the operation lever isoperated.
 4. An accessory of the electronic device comprising: a basehaving a mounting part on which the electronic device is placed and ahousing part housing a member, a hook provided in the base so as to bemovable between an engaging position where the electronic device is tobe engaged and a releasing position where the engagement is to bereleased, an operation lever provided in the base in order to operatethe hook, an engaging part provided in the base so as to be movablebetween an engaging position where the member housed in the housing partis to be engaged and a releasing position where the engagement is to bereleased, an operating part provided in the base in order to operate theengaging part, a locking part provided so as to be attachable anddetachable to and from the base, a control plate provided in the base soas to be movable to a plurality of positions, and a movement operatingpart for operating the movement of the control plate, and being soconstructed that when the locking part is attached to the base toachieve locking in a state where the control plate is positioned at asecond position, the locking part cannot be detached from the base, sothat the movement of the hook to the releasing position is allowed, themovement of the engaging part to the releasing position is allowed, andthe movement of the control plate from the second position to anotherposition is limited.
 5. An accessory of the electronic devicecomprising: a base having a mounting part on which the electronic deviceis placed and a housing part housing a member, a hook provided in thebase so as to be movable between an engaging position where theelectronic device is to be engaged and a releasing position where theengagement is to be released, an operation lever provided in the base inorder to operate the hook, an engaging part provided in the base so asto be movable between an engaging position where the member housed inthe housing part is to be engaged and a releasing position where theengagement is to be released, an operating part provided in the base inorder to operate the engaging part, a locking part provided so as to beattachable and detachable to and from the base, a control plate providedin the base so as to be movable to a plurality of positions, and amovement operating part for operating the movement of the control plate,and being so constructed that when the locking part is attached to thebase to achieve locking in a state where the control plate is positionedat a third position, the locking part cannot be detached from the base,so that the movement of the hook to the releasing position is allowed,the movement of the engaging part to the releasing position is limited,and the movement of the control plate from the third position to anotherposition is limited.
 6. An accessory of the electronic device as in anyone of claims 2, 4 or 5, in which the moving operating part is providedon a reverse surface of the base.
 7. The accessory of the electronicdevice comprising: a base having a mounting part on which the electronicdevice is placed, a base part arranged below the mounting part, and ahousing part housing a member, wherein the housing part is formed in across-like shape, a housing space being interposed between the base partand the mounting part, the housing space being formed by the differencebetween steps formed in the mounting part, and one of the functionexpanding member for the electronic device and the driving battery forthe electronic device is arbitrarily housed in either one of the housingspaces.
 8. An accessory of an electronic device, comprising: a basehaving a mounting part on which the electronic device is placed, a basepart arranged below the mounting part, and a housing part housing amember, and being so constructed that either one of a function expandingmember for the electronic device and a driving battery for theelectronic device is arbitrarily housed as the member in the housingpart, wherein there is provided a charging part for charging the houseddriving battery.
 9. An accessory of an electronic device, characterizedby comprising a base having a mounting part on which the electronicdevice is placed, a first housing part housing a first member, and asecond housing part housing a second member, and a switching operatingpart provided in the base, and being so constructed that the firstmember or the second member is ejected in response to an operation ofthe switching operating part.
 10. The accessory of the electronic deviceaccording to claim 9, characterized by being so constructed that a leverhaving its one end pivoted and having the other end fixed to theswitching operating part is provided in the base so as to be positionedbetween the first housing part and the second housing part, the firstmember which is abutted against the lever is ejected from the firsthousing part when the lever is rotated in a first direction by operatingthe switching operating part, and a second member which is abuttedagainst the lever is ejected from the second housing part when the leveris rotated in a second direction.
 11. An accessory of an electronicdevice comprising: a base having a mounting part on which the electronicdevice is placed and a housing part housing a member, a first projectionand a second projection which are provided in the base so as to berespectively inserted into a first hole and a second hole which areformed in the electronic device, and a second connecting terminalprovided in the base so as to be inserted into a first connectingterminal provided in the electronic device, wherein both the firstprojection and the second connecting terminal are provided almostperpendicularly, and the second projection is provided almosthorizontally.
 12. An accessory of an electronic device comprising: abase having a mounting part on which the electronic device is placed anda housing part housing a member, a first projection and a secondprojection which are provided in the base so as to be respectivelyinserted into a first hole and a second hole which are formed in theelectronic device, and a second connecting terminal provided in the baseso as to be inserted into a first connecting terminal provided in theelectronic device, wherein a first conductive part is provided on areverse surface of the second projection, to electrically ground a firstcircuit board provided in the electronic device and a second circuitboard provided in the base through the first conductive part.
 13. Theaccessory of the electronic device according to claim 12, characterizedin that a second flexible conductive part having its one endelectrically connected to the first circuit board in the electronicdevice and the other end arranged so as to face the second hole isinterposed between the first conductive part and an edge of the secondhole when the electronic device is attached to the mounting part.